No, you’re not dreaming, I recently indulged in yet another afternoon tea! I feel like I’ve eaten so many cakes and sandwiches in the past year, but I will never get tired of this quintessentially British experience. Especially when the quality is as good as this one and it looks stunning from the moment you walk through the main doors, arriving in the fairytale-like Crystal Moon Lounge. Though not before being greeted by the live pianist during the afternoon tea service.
For 2024 to celebrate the British Summer Season with the hotel’s partners FLOWERBX who, along with our Head Pastry Chef Yago Doamo, have created a floral-inspired afternoon tea, available from 2 May 2024. Taking inspiration from seasonal blooms, indulge in your favourite finger sandwiches and pastries that look as though they belong more at home during this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Prices start at £85, with £10 from each booking donated to the UK-based children’s charity Spread A Smile.
I think I’ve probably told this story time and time again but for those who haven’t come across my repetitive spiel, I want to tell you a little bit about the birth of afternoon tea.
Once upon a time, in 1840, a lady named Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford noticed she felt a ‘sinking feeling’ around mid-afternoon. Once served with a pot of Darjeeling tea, bread, butter and a few biscuits – Anna realised she felt much better. It was from here onwards (as far as we know) that the traditional afternoon tea we all know and love was born. While the history continues and the offerings of afternoon tea have changed over the many years, its quintessentially British tradition remains very much intact.
Afternoon tea is an important affair at the Corinthia Hotel, which is conveniently located near Trafalgar Square, River Thames, and other popular London attractions. The Crystal Moon Lounge is the star of the show, where exquisite afternoon tea is served. The timeless elegance of the lounge is adorned with 1,001 Baccarat crystals that create a warm and inviting ambience. Whilst we took it all in, we sipped on a glass of Champagne from one of the Champagne glasses which are cut from the same Baccarat crystal as the chandelier above you. We also enjoyed one of the many teas on offer, the peppermint and Ceylon were my favourites.
While my favourite thing in the world is cake, I actually love the savoury items during afternoon tea and I always make that classic mistake of ordering a second round and having to take half of my sweat treats home. Here we tucked into a fine selection of finger sandwiches, all of which were excellent. Pickled Cucumber with Goat’s Curd, Mint & Capers on Mediterranean Bread. Smoked Salmon, Dill, Lemon & Nori Cream Cheese. Brioche Wiltshire Ham with Mustard Mayonnaise on Granary Bread. Butter Roasted Turkey Breast with Gem Lettuce, Parmesan & Truffle Cream on Onion Bread and my favourite – Clarence Court Egg & Cress on Brown Bread.
I’ve had my fair share of scones over the years and these were up there with some of the best. Very large in size and as crumbly and fluffy as could be. There are both plain and ultana scones which come served with Organic Strawberry Jam, Rhubarb & Raspberry Jam and Cornish Clotted Cream.
The most exciting part of the tea service for me is those dessert trolleys. A floor-standing tier is placed next to your table and you’re given the choice to pick your favourite patisserie creations – or why not try them all.
I won’t spoil the surprise too much, but the Yuzu Gateaux ‘’The Dahlia’’ not only looked like a piece of art but flavour-wise it was a real treat. If you’ve still got room, save space for the miniature madeleines and slices of moist passion fruit cake.
We had a really stunning afternoon here in The Crystal Moon Lounge for their afternoon tea and this shiny new offering is arguably one of London’s finest. The attention to detail with each creation is meticulous, the service from the team is faultless and the huge silver trolleys that come rolling over to the table are absolutely fabulous. BOOK NOW – before this special afternoon tea ends.
